Disclaimer: The characters and story are based on
the series BeastMaster are property of
Tribune Entertainment Company. There is no intent to infringe on their rights,
this is only for pure enjoyment.

The Last Sulaby Laurie Allen

Dedicated to the
last of a rare breed, Daniel Goddard

Part 3

The morning sun,
tinged with red tones, broke free of the horizon restoring daylight. Dar’s
journey had taken longer than he had hoped, needing a breather more often due
to his injuries. Sharak’s potion strengthened him some, but not enough.
Skillfully, he crept into camp so as not to disturb Tao and his guests. Kodo
and Podo had kept Dar updated on Tao’s adventure. He looked around but didn’t
see the mother or child. For that matter, the ferrets weren't around either.
Dar moved closer to Tao and realized his friend wasn’t alone beneath the
blanket. Surprised, the Beastmaster asked, "Tao?"

Hearing the
disturbance, Tao bolted upright. In a sleepy stupor, he checked around and
then noticed Dar smiling down at him. In a soft whisper Tao blurted,
"Dar, you’re back! Thank goodness!" Tao slipped out from under the
blanket and pulled on his trousers, careful not to uncover Jame. "Ah,
this is a bit awkward. I can explain."

Still amused, Dar
snickered. "No need. And, all this time I thought you’d be worried
about me."

"I was,"
Tao vowed, continuing to speak softly.

Snug beneath the
blanket, Jame stirred from the sound of their voices. She rolled onto her back
as Tao stepped aside; he didn't wish to disturb her sleep. When he motioned
Dar to do the same, he noticed a scowl replaced his friend’s smile. Tao wasn’t
sure why, but surmised it had something to do with Jame since Dar was staring
at her. He watched the Beastmaster shake his head in disapproval before
walking away. Curious as to his friend's change of mood, Tao followed.
"Dar, what is it?"

Dar turned to face
his friend. "She used you, Tao. That’s what she does, uses men for her
own satisfaction."

Tao’s face
scrunched with annoyance. "How can you say that? You don’t even know
her." He glanced back at her sleeping form and wondered aloud, "Or
do you?"

"I know her
type." Dar avoided answering truthfully. He remembered her as if it were
yesterday. "She's a temptress who entices her prey only to devour them.
How did she trick you? What did she offer?"

"Offer? I can’t
believe I’m hearing this!" Tao shouted in a whispered tone. He never
thought he’d have to defend Jame, especially to Dar. "Jame is a
wonderful woman, very loving and giving. She and her son needed shelter from
the Terrons…that’s all." He stood his ground, disappointment turning
to rage. "Just because you're miserable doesn't give you the right to
drag me down with you! Why are you denying me some happiness?"

Was he? Dar
reflected for a moment. His life had been isolated from civilization. Those he
loved were dead, with the exception of Tao. Yes, he felt disheartened, but
he'd never keep others from enjoying their happiness. Zad practically accused
him of the same thing. No, he merely wanted to protect his friend. He felt
offended that Tao would believe otherwise. Dar lowered his voice hoping to
reason with him. "She’ll only hurt you, Tao." Obviously, the Eiron
wasn't thinking with his mind. Dar didn’t want to see his friend dejected
the way he had been. "She thrives on her wiles. She only seduced you—"

Wrapped in the
blanket, Jame's sudden appearance prevented an altercation. "Tao? Is
there something wrong?" Unsure of what to make of Tao’s friend, whom he
praised so dearly, she stood her distance. His animosity seemed to stem from
her presence.

Flustered, Tao
exclaimed, "Jame! I’m sorry we woke you. We were…ah, I was just
questioning Dar about his whereabouts. It's still early, go back to
sleep." He tried turning her about, but she sidestepped and moved closer
to Dar. Tao stumbled from her evasive maneuver, but easily caught his balance.

Overhearing the
last part of the conversation, Jame frowned at his lie. "I thought I
heard you mention my name. Aren’t you going to introduce me?"

"Of
course." Tao stood by her side and glared at his friend. He usually
didn't forget his manners, but Dar provoked him beyond his senses. "Jame,
this is Dar. Dar, Jame."

Jame offered her
hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Dar didn’t take
her hand, wondering why she didn’t recognize him. Then again, it had been
ten years since their encounter. Alone, the last of his tribe, Dar had pleaded
with her to take him to her people but she refused. She bribed the starving
stranger with food for pleasure. To top it off, Curupira had spied upon them,
ridiculing him afterwards. Yes, he was bitter. Besides, there was a more
important matter on his mind. "Your son, where is he?"

Tao was
disappointed that his friend didn’t offer a handclasp in return. Why was Dar
being so rude to Jame? There had to be reason behind his actions, but what?
The questions prattled through his mind until Dar’s question finally
registered. "Gie!" Tao realized the boy was missing.

Jame was way ahead
of Tao and raced over to where her son had settled for the night. Kodo, Podo
and the rolling cart were missing as well. "Gie? Gie! He's gone!"
Tao rushed over and pointed out the tracks the wheel left and assured Jame it
would be easy to follow him.

Dar was busy
communicating with the ferrets. "Kodo and Podo are with him. He's okay!
I'm going after him!" the Beastmaster shouted as he dashed off. Out of
range, he didn't hear Tao insisting that he and Jame would tag along. Dar
hastened his pace following the footprints towards the river.

"How could he
know he's okay? Did he only say that for my benefit?" Jame quickly pulled
her dress over her head while Tao explained.

"He's the
Beastmaster. I didn't tell you because I wanted to surprise Gie."

"The
Beastmaster? Then it's not a legend?" Jame received her answer with Tao's
smile. "He looks strangely familiar," she pondered, cinching the
scarf around her waist.

"He
should," Sharak replied. The sorcerer seemed to appear out of nowhere,
startling them both.

Tao yelped but
relaxed as soon as he recognized the familiar face— the man Dar and he
helped to rescue a woman from in the Burning Forest. "You? What are you
doing here? No wait," Tao instructed, holding up his hand. Irritated by
the man's overbearing demeanor the first time they met, Tao didn't care to
know. More than likely, he needed another favor. He didn't trust the stranger.
"I don't believe you ever told Dar or me your name."

"It's Sha—"
he caught himself. He promised the Ancient One he wouldn't reveal his identity
to the Beastmaster or his companion. Thinking quickly, Sharak made up a
similar sounding name. "Shan."

"Listen, you
came at a bad time, Shan. We were just leav—"

Jame interrupted,
curious to the man's comment. "What do you mean he should look familiar?
Do I know him?" She seemed drawn to this stranger. To her, he appeared
gentle and trustworthy.

Whether it was a
tinge of jealousy or his distrust in Shan, Tao eased himself between the two.
Jame grabbed Tao's hand and squeezed it gently to reassure him she cared for
only him. Tao felt foolish. He rolled his eyes and stepped aside so Shan could
further explain to Jame.

Sharak smirked at
Tao's absurd insecurity. The mortal was entertaining to say the least. He had
no time to waste so he briskly enlightened the woman, "Years ago while
you were bathing in a small pool, a hungry boy came to pass. You offered food
in exchange for a kiss—a kiss which led to another and beyond. He kept his
end of the bargain; however, you didn't."

Jame clutched her
midriff and looked at Tao, shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh, no. Dar
was the boy?"

"I don't
understand." Tao looked from Shan to Jame. "You know Dar?" He
reached for her arms to pull her closer, but she jerked away in shame.
"What is it, Jame?" He glared at Shan, believing him to be the
culprit.

In tears, Jame
explained, "Oh, Tao. I was so cruel to him. He claimed he was all alone,
the last of his people and had nowhere to go. I didn't realize he was the last
of the Sulas. I took advantage of his misfortune and used him for my own
pleasure."

"You know him
then?"

"He's Gie's
father. Dar is Gie's father. I didn't even recognize him. I recall the way he
looked at me…treated me just now. I'm sure he knows me. Tao, the last thing
I want is to come between friends. No wonder you were arguing. I don't blame
you if you hate me and never want to see me again."

"Dar? The
father?" Tao blurted.

Sharak stepped
forward. "We haven't much time. We must find Dar and the boy. I believe
he suspects Gie to be his son." Since the Ancient One made sure Sharak
had only limited powers as a sorcerer, he needed to keep them in reserve in
case something went wrong. He didn't want to disappoint the wizard; else, he'd
lose the three spells to become human again. "This way," he urged
the others as he followed the tracks.

Tao was confused.
On one hand, he felt overjoyed that Dar was a father, on the other, what of
Jame? He cared deeply for her, but didn't want to come between them if they
shared feelings for one another.

*****

Traveling since
early light, Gie needed rest. He lowered the cart and plopped down next to it.
Kodo and Podo popped their heads out from under the blanket. Gie spoke to his
new friends. "I'm sorry, I didn't know we were this far from home. It's
taking longer than I thought. Won't Uncle Roog be overjoyed with his
gift!" The ferrets squealed and jumped out of the basket, scurrying away.
"Hey, come back here!"

Gie chased after
them but stopped in his tracks when he noticed the figure ahead. Kodo and Podo
ran over to the tall, muscular man dressed in a simple loincloth. He appeared
savage, his unkempt hair streaked from sun exposure. At his side, he held a
magnificent staff made of bone. At first, Gie felt intimidated until the
intruder smiled, easing his nervousness. The man's smile was friendly and full
of love as he picked up one of the ferrets. The stranger knelt down and placed
Kodo on the ground.

Dar slowly lifted
his head and looked at the boy. He lowered his staff to the ground to show he
meant no harm. "Don't be afraid, I'm a friend," he assured, studying
the youth. The blond youngster looked like his mother until he smiled. The
boy's smile was comparable to his own. Could Zad be right? Had Dar fathered a
son?

Gie stammered,
"I'm not afraid. You're the Beastmaster."

"And how do
you know that?"

In awe of the
legend, Gie explained. "You're as tall as the trees, you look as strong
as an ox and your hair is wild like a lion's mane." His description
embarrassed the stranger and made him chuckle. Gie continued, "Besides,
my friends ran up to you like they knew you."

"I'm sure Tao
had his reasons." Dar yearned to grab hold of the boy and embrace him
with all his might. He needed answers first. "Why did you run off? Your
mother's very worried."

"I thought
I'd be back before she ever missed me. I wanted to give my uncle this present
Tao helped me build. That's all. I didn't mean to worry Mother." Gie
gestured behind him to show off his invention.

Dar suddenly
noticed the basket with the one wheel attached to its front. He rose and
walked over for a closer look. "What does it do?"

"You lift it
up and roll it. You can fill it with lots of things." Gie demonstrated
how his contraption worked. "I was bringing it to my uncle. He has a bad
back and this will make his work easier."

"I believe it
would, but you can't take it to him now. The Terrons are guarding your
village. Some of them are searching for you. We're not safe here." Dar
placed his hand on Gie's shoulder. "We'll have to leave that here for
now."

"What do the
Terrons want with me? I didn't do anything to them." Gie didn't
understand his significance to the Terron king.

Dar now understood
Gie's importance. He answered carefully. "King Zad heard rumors that
you're a Sula, that you have a way with the animals. He wants to raise you as
his son, but don't worry," Dar assured, "that will never
happen."

"Y-y-you, my
father?" Gie blinked several times. Could it be possible? That would
explain his ability to commune with the animals. "I don't
understand?"

"I met your
mother years ago when we were both young."

"If that's
true, why didn't you stay?"

"At the time,
your mother wouldn't take me to your village. My tribe had been slain by the
Terrons, so I lived alone in the forest. Had I known she would soon be with
child, I would have fought harder to stay with her. I would have gladly raised
and loved you like a father should." Dar waited for a response from the
boy, but he remained silent. "If it's not too late, Gie, I'd like to
start now."

Gie repeated,
"My father…the Beastmaster?" A hug was his answer. He wrapped his
arms around Dar's neck and squeezed as hard as he could. "I could never
ask for a better father!"

Dar's emptiness
was suddenly filled. He hugged Gie and kissed his forehead, but the reunion
would have to resume another time. "We have to move quickly." To
provoke a swift departure, he proposed, "How would you like to be taller
than the Beastmaster?"

Gie's eyes
widened. "Would I? How?"

Dar chuckled at
the boy's enthusiasm. With Kodo and Podo tucked away in the pouch, he placed
it over his shoulder. "Here climb onto my shoulders." Dar knelt low
to the ground until Gie straddled his legs around his neck and held onto his
head. The Beastmaster grabbed his staff and then rose slowly making sure the
youngster was well balanced. "All set?" Upon hearing Gie's reply,
Dar walked swiftly towards the camp. He hadn't gotten too far when he spotted
Tao, Jame and the Sorcerer running in their direction.

Jame caught sight
of her son atop Dar's shoulders and cried out his name, relieved he'd been
found. Before the others reached them, Dar stopped and lowered Gie to the
ground. He held the staff out straight, pointing it at them. "Stop right
there. Come no closer."

Bewildered, Tao
held Jame back. "What's wrong, Dar? What are you doing?"

Tao looked at
Shan, backed up and shielded Jame. "A sorcerer?" Sharak nodded and
then Tao asked, "If you have magical powers then why did you need our
help to rescue your woman?"

Sharak elaborated,
"Only the Apparition's powers work in the Burning Forest." Wasting
no time, he turned to Dar and the boy. "Beastmaster, I mean you no harm.
You must trust me...I only want to protect the child and his mother. I can
take them someplace where they'll be safe."

"No!"
Dar spat. "I won't let you take him! I'm his father!"

Tao protested as
well. He wasn't about to let Shan take Jame and Gie from either of them. Jame
glanced at Tao, her eyes twinkling nervously. She now knew Dar figured out Gie
was his son. None of their lives would ever be the same.

Sharak ignored the
Eiron and addressed only the Beastmaster. "You know he'll never be safe
as long as he's with you. Your enemies will always use him against you. He'll
forever be a target…you don't want that kind of life for him do you?"

"I'll protect
him!"

"Like you
protected Kyra?" Sharak hated twisting words like a knife, but it was
necessary to make a point. It crushed him to see the hurt etched on his
friend's face. Dar's eyes glazed with festering animosity. Perhaps Sharak
crossed too far over the line.

Suddenly, Zad and
six Terron warriors galloped out of the woods, surrounding the group.
"Beastmaster, you have more lives than a cat. I could have sworn I left
you for dead." He perceived the hostile look he received from the
Beastmaster to be his doing, not realizing he interrupted something. "And
what, pray tell, do we have here? A family reunion?" The king studied Dar
and Gie, surely related he surmised. "Surrender the boy to me and I'll
let you and the others live!"

"Never!"
Dar roared.

"Much too
long for a king to wait. Get me the child now!" Zad commanded his men.
Once he laid eyes on the boy's mother, he added, "And, the woman. Kill
the rest!"

Dar pulled the
pouch containing the ferrets off his shoulder. He handed them to Gie and
nudged him towards his mother. The boy responded quickly and ran to her side
as the Beastmaster prepared for the battle of his life. He twirled his staff
weapon, inviting the Terrons to attack.

The warrior
closest to the others hurled his weapon and struck Sharak in the back. The
blow knocked the wind out of him and he collapsed to the ground. Jame screamed
and hid her son between herself and Tao. The Eiron was searching desperately
for a weapon. Since the sorcerer lay near his feet, Tao grabbed the club,
raised it in front of him and tried to look tough. Something caught Tao's eye.
He had never seen Dar fight so passionately. Three Terrons had simultaneously
attacked the Beastmaster. He leapt in the air, pirouetted and then kicked the
largest warrior in the chest while both sections of the staff struck the other
two opponents. The club end walloped a Terron's upper arm. Tao swore he heard
the man's bone crack. The blade side cut bare flesh. The Terron stepped back
to examine the wound to his chest. Outraged, he bolted towards Dar. To his
surprise, the Terron was hoisted over the Beastmaster's head where he fell to
the ground knocking him cold. A fervent rage engulfed the Beastmaster as he
readied himself for more rivals.

Two more of Zad's
men moved in once they realized their comrades were losing. The king was
furious—his best warriors had been bested yet again. He hoped the next two
would prove superior. His prayers were answered when one of the warriors
managed to trip Dar.

Ratax, Zad's
warlord, approached Tao, Jame and Gie. The boy tugged Tao's shirt to distract
his attention from Dar's dilemma to theirs. Without delay Tao positioned the
club to block Ratax's weapon. However, the force of the blow hurled Tao
sideways and he plummeted to the ground. Jame and Gie screamed as the warlord
kicked the downed man.

In the meantime,
Dar had skillfully rolled and righted himself. His cobra reflex sent the
culprit who tripped him sprawling on his back. Dar whipped around when he
heard Gie and his mother scream. That was a mistake. The second Terron behind
him swung his club and clobbered Dar against his head. His vision blurred.
Before darkness enveloped him, he saw Ratax yanking Jame and Gie towards Zad.
Tao lay motionless at their feet. Zad won. Dar had no choice but to surrender
to unconsciousness.